Support and Solidarity for victims of abuse

Governance

Oct 14

Updated 3rd September 2024

The Rockwell College Union stands in solidarity with the victims of abuse while attending Rockwell College and any of the Spiritan schools. We recognise that you need our support.

We stand united with you and we recognise the pain and suffering you've endured. We are here to affirm that you are not alone on this journey to healing.

The Rockwell College Union community strive for a world where abuse has no place, where survivors find solace, and where justice prevails. May your resilience remind us all of the power of the human spirit and the capacity to transform pain into strength.

We promise to stand by you and we would encourage any past pupil who is a victim of abuse to come forward and know that the Rockwell College Union is here for you, please get in touch by email to president@rockwellcollgeunion.com

Your contact with be treated in strictest confidence.

Statement From Rockwell College - 3rd September 2024

Principal of Rockwell College, Audrey O’Byrne gives her reaction to the Scoping Inquiry Report and hertfelt support to any Rockwllian who suffered abuse while at the school. Full Statement HERE

Restore Together

Additionally, we would urge you to read the below support structures that are in place should you wish to avail of them.

Our colleagues at the Blackrock College Union have shared with us details of the Restore Together support group which was set up to support victims and survivors of sexual abuse at Spiritan schools.

Restore Together is a support group, made up of victims, survivors and non-victims. Restore Together advocates on behalf of victims and survivors for the provision of structures to aid healing from trauma.

Restore Together is working with the Spiritan Order to bring healing to those who suffered as children and continue to suffer as adults.

Restore Together’s objectives for all victims and survivors are:

TRUTH – JUSTICE – PEACE – RECONCILIATION – HEALING.

If you, or someone you know, would like to talk to someone, we ask you to contact timchapman@rjteam.net, Restorative Justice Team, in total confidence. Tim Chapman is an independent Restorative Justice expert, specifically chosen by Restore Together, who will be able to advise on the supports and advice available.

So far over 150 people who have attended a Spiritan school and have been affected have contacted Tim and his team of experts through the Restorative Justice programme.

Therapy and Counselling:

Therapy and Counselling is freely available to all impacted by abuse, in all Spiritan institutions, from any counsellor of your choice for as long as deemed beneficial by your counsellor.

Therapy/counselling is completely confidential, provided by independent professionals and funded entirely by the Spiritans. Counsellors must be certified but can be based anywhere in the world and can be met in person or online.

Restore Together have developed relationships with two established providers who understand and support the group’s work:

One in Four
Towards Healing

Please contact these organisations directly for free, confidential support. To arrange for your certified professional to be paid, contact Tim Chapman via email: timchapman@rjteam.net

The feedback received from those who have availed of this service say it is extremely helpful and confidential.

They provide counselling services face to face or by phone or Zoom/Teams etc. Their therapy options include Psychotherapy, Family Support, Group Counselling based on collaboration, Responsive Therapy and Evidence informed practice.

One In Four: One in Four supports people who have experienced sexual violence during childhood.

http://oneinfour.ie/
Tel: 01 662 4070

Towards Healing:

https://towardshealing.ie/
email: info@towardshealing.ie
Freephone: 1800 303416 (Rep of Ireland) or Freephone: 0800 0963315 (Northern Ireland and UK)

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Issue Date: 4 September 2024

An Garda Síochána is appealing to anyone who wishes to report a crime relating to Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders.

For the purpose of reporting to An Garda Síochána, the following options are available:

1. By emailing GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie

2. By phoning the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222. This is a confidential and free service available 24/7

3. Calling to your local Garda Station

Full Details of the GARDA information on this are HERE

Additional Support:

Spiritan Safeguarding Office Spiritan Order